Abstract: A drinking straw for progressively adding an active ingredient to a carrier liquid as the liquid is drawn through the straw. The straw includes a generally elongate tubular body having an internal bore and a sidewall. The tube includes first and second filters and disposed at respective first and second ends and, of the tube. Together, the first and second filters retain a predetermined measure of soluble active ingredients within the bore of the tube, while allowing a carrier liquid to be drawn through the straw, by oral suction. The active ingredient, takes the form of a plurality of solid pellets. Each filter is formed by blocking, closing or constricting the tube at or adjacent the corresponding end and providing at least one aperture sized to be sufficiently small to retain the pellets within the tube whilst sufficiently large to allow passage of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptacle which comprises a generally elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets of a predetermined size and shape containing a predetermined measure of active ingredient and filtration means disposed at or adjacent each end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the body. The receptacle is sized to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn through it. The passage of the carrier liquid through the receptacle causes the pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active ingredient into the beverage upon consumption.

Abstract: A probiotic composition including a probiotic microorganism embedded within a matrix, the matrix substantially maintaining the viability of said microorganisms. The matrix releases said microorganisms into and upon contact with a liquid carrier. The invention includes methods for manufacturing the composition, particular forms of the composition (2) and as apparatus for administration.

Abstract: A drinking straw for progressively adding an active ingredient to a carrier liquid as the liquid is drawn through the straw. The straw includes a generally elongate tubular body having an internal bore and a sidewall. The tube includes first and second filters and disposed at respective first and second ends and, of the tube. Together, the first and second filters retain a predetermined measure of soluble active ingredients within the bore of the tube, while allowing a carrier liquid to be drawn through the straw, by oral suction. The active ingredient, takes the form of a plurality of solid pellets. Each filter is formed by blocking, closing or constricting the tube at or adjacent the corresponding end and providing at least one aperture sized to be sufficiently small to retain the pellets within the tube whilst sufficiently large to allow passage of liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a receptacle which comprises a generally elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets of a predetermined size and shape containing a predetermined measure of active ingredient and filtration means disposed at or adjacent each end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the body. The receptacle is sized to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn through it. The passage of the carrier liquid through the receptacle causes the pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active ingredient into the beverage upon consumption.

Abstract: A drinking straw (1) for progressively adding an active ingredient to a carrier liquid as the liquid is drawn through the straw. The straw (1) includes a generally elongate tubular body (2) having an internal bore (3) and a sidewall (4). The tube (2) includes first and second filters (5) and (6) disposed at respective first and second ends (7) and (8), of the tube. Together, the first and second filters retain a predetermined measure of soluble active ingredients within the bore of the tube (2), while allowing a carrier liquid to be drawn through the straw, by oral suction. The active ingredient, takes the form of a plurality of solid pellets (9). Each filter is formed by blocking, closing or constricting the tube at or adjacent the corresponding end and providing at least one aperture sized to be sufficiently small to retain the pellets within the tube whilst sufficiently large to allow passage of liquid.